Catherine Welsby - Specialist Social Worker

Catherine Welsby, MSc (Merit), BSc (Hons), CORU Registered Social Worker
Co-Director, Divergent Minds

I am a CORU-registered Senior Social Worker and Co-Director of Divergent Minds, a multidisciplinary neurodiversity-affirming service supporting children, young people, adults, families, schools, and professionals across Ireland and the UK.

I specialise in neurodevelopmental assessment and holistic family support, working across neurodivergent profiles. I am trained in ADOS, ADI-R, DIVA, ACIA, WURS-25 and related assessment tools, with particular expertise in comprehensive developmental histories, formulation, and providing clear, strengths-based recommendations that translate into meaningful, practical support.

Alongside my neurodevelopmental work, I bring extensive experience from statutory children’s services, addictions, mental health, safeguarding, and court settings. This enables me to work confidently within complex systems, advocate effectively for individuals and families, and collaborate across multi-agency contexts.

I provide post-assessment psychoeducation, 1:1 parent and family guidance, and professional consultation. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in neuroaffirmative practice. I am currently undertaking Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) training to further support children and young people experiencing high levels of stress, demand, avoidant/drive for autonomy profiles, and persistent conflict.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to dignity, empowerment, and creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can feel understood, supported, and able to thrive.